"We welcome more than 280 million visitors to . . . national parks every year," said National Park Service director Jonathan Jarvis. "The videos are a great way to send our best wishes for the holidays to those folks who spent time in a national park this year or may be thinking about a trip in the future."

SMYRNA, Ga. -- Keep Smyrna Beautiful has placed first in the 2011 Keep Georgia Beautiful Awards program, the group announced Monday.

In addition, the organization won the Top Nonprofit Community Improvement Project award for its Community Garden. Angie Bolton, a tireless volunteer for the program, received the Carolyn Crayton Award for Georgia's female volunteer of the year.

Keep Smyrna Beautiful even received national recognition; it placed second in the Keep America Beautiful contest for cities with populations of 50,000 to 200,000.

For more than 30 years, Keep Georgia Beautiful has honored ongoing efforts in community improvement, waste reduction and recycling, litter prevention and volunteer work.

The entry deadline is nearing for the 2011 'Fun in the Park' photo contest.

As you are out enjoying Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs' parks and activities, be sure to bring your camera and capture the fun and memories of your sports activities, the beauty of nature and wildlife in the parks, and anything else that shows why you enjoy your day at the park.

MARIETTA, Ga. -- Despite being among the top three killers of Americans under age 21, many parents do not seem to realize that underage drinking is a major problem.

The Cobb Alcohol Taskforce is partnering with the PTAs at local schools to give parents an important skill set to prevent teen drinking. A meeting for all Cobb parents will be held Wednesday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cobb Central Library.

Several local experts will give insight into this growing issue, including Cobb Alcohol Taskforce coordinator Cathy Finck.

"The brain goes through dynamic change during adolescence, and alcohol can seriously damage long and short term brain growth processes," Finck said. "The research is compelling, but more parents need to know about it. We hope arming PTAs will help get the facts and useful tips to more parents for saving teen brains."

MARIETTA, Ga. -- For low-income families with young children, a few diapers can turn into a priceless gift.

Many people do not realize that food stamps cannot be used to buy hygiene products, including diapers. The average family with small children spends about $100 a month on diapers -- an expense that some low-income families cannot afford to shoulder.

Saturday, October 29 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Get ready to have a screaming (in delight) good time! For one day only, Fernbank Museum is becoming Fernbank BOO-seum. Little Beat Music, Inc. will provide family-friendly tunes and face painting will inspire those who didn’t quite finish their costumes. Plus, enjoy a frightening-ly fun Halloween party featuring games, crafts, hands-on activities and special treats for kids in costumes.* (*Treats available while supplies last.)